Under the Waves

The morning arrives slowly in Paris, gray and heavy with the promise of rain and growth and flowers. Few people stir and those who are about in the city are hurrying to beat the expected torrent.

The Rebman contingent is unfazed by the turn of the weather, and are downstairs at the appointed time. Both Jerod and Vere notice that half the Rebmans are unburdened and half have heavy packs. They wear traditional pants and cross-broces of what Jerod would consider a slightly old-fashioned style.

Kaia approaches Jerod. "Prince Jerod we are ready to depart. Does your kinsman know the trick of breathing in the water? It will not be breathable until we reach the stair."

"He has never attempted it." Jerod replies, adjusting one of the the break-away straps of the pack he has on the floor. "He is a quick study though and I was led to believe that we have a period of travel before we reach Rebma. I will go over with him what needs to be explained." He eyes the clothing critically as he picks up the pack, settling it comfortably on his shoulders.

"An older style. Curious choice for travel?"

Vere waits quietly and patiently, listening but not speaking for the moment.

"It's become reasonably popular, your highness, since we lost our surface trade. We have made a fashion statement about Rebman self-sufficiency out of the necessity of being so. You may find that it feels like a different place, yourself, highness. Attitudes about many things retreat from their more progressive stances when crises loom."

She shoulders her pack. "Shall we go? I see the King is ready for us." In fact, Corwin approaches with Merlin, Celina, Lance, and Alice. Alice has a basket, which she gives to one of the Rebman escorts.

Waiting for a proper pause in the goodbyes, Celina steps closer to the two men of Amber. She is again in Rebman metallic attire, a modern style that Jerod is more familiar with. She is barefoot. Her hands settle lightly on Jerod's shoulders. "Be of good eye and travel brightly." She kisses him on the cheek and whispers, "I have no message for the queen but the one I have allowed Vere to carry, but I have no ire for what you may say of me there."

"One chooses one's messengers carefully." Jerod says, not having any ire it would seem. "Besides, it is sometimes better not be considered in the same company as Rosencrantz and Guildenstern." and he smiles when he says it.

Celina moves to Vere. Her hands again settle on his shoulders. "Be of good eye and bring mayhem to your enemies." She kisses him on the cheek and whispers, "Luck and strength to your dealings with Moire."

Vere nods and a very small smile touches his lips. "I thank you," he says. "Fare you well."

The Seaward lass resumes her place next to Merlin.

Corwin comes up to the group and wishes them well. He hands a sealed package to Kaia.

Jerod nods, letting Kaia move forward as Corwin approaches with his party. In a quiet aside to Vere he says, "Keep an eye on those with the packs and their contents. I'm curious." he whispers.

Vere responds neither verbally nor by action to Jerod, but he will remain very aware of those who carry packs, without doing anything to let his interest be obvious. He's watching for any indications of what the packs contain - signs of how heavy they are, anything he can tell about the shape or nature of the contents from the way they move within the packs, whether those who carry them treat them as though they are delicate or durable, and any glimpses he can catch of the things within the packs during any stops during the coming march. In addition, he's observing the interactions between those who carry packs and those who don't, to determine whether those doing the carrying are being treated as inferiors or servants, as those given a trusted position of honour that others in the group do not have, or any other indications of the reason for some to be carrying packs and some not.

It's hard to tell what might be in the packs, because they are well sealed against the water. The Rebmans do not seem to treat the contents as fragile, but are not over-rough with them, either. Vere also notices that they tend to stay in heterogeneous pairs, and that all are armed. If they were a military company, Vere would consider the two groups to be a scout unit and an infantry unit. However, half the company seems like an excessive contingent of scouts, or it would be on the surface. Perhaps in aquatic tactical maneuvers, it is worthwhile to expand the role and number of scouts in a unit. Given potential differences in visibility, the lack of audible or olfactory clues, the increased sphere of vulnerable avenues of attack, and the effective isolation of separated parties, it may well be worthwhile to increase the scouting capabilities of any organization while underwater.

[Corwin] sends Lance with them to lead them to the cave entrance. Lance takes them in a small poleboat down river a short distance. The Rebmans, for the most part, spend the voyage with a hand or a foot or both casually draped over the gunwales of the little boat, feeling the water and watching the clouds go by. It is very relaxing, for those who can relax.

Vere appears to be very relaxed, and anyone with experience on boats or a high degree of perception will no doubt be able to spot how naturally he adjusts to the movements of the boat, and how very comfortable he is on the water.

Lance stops by a suspiciously familiar cairn of rocks on the shore. Before he has the pole boat tied up, the Rebmans are all over the sides and in the water. Lance shows everyone where the passage to the cave is under the vegetation overgrowing the bank and hands Jerod a lantern, with instructions to keep it dry and leave it behind when he walks underwater.

Jerod nods, taking the lantern and checking it carefully.

It's an oil lamp of a simple design, made of hammered metal.

While Lance is showing the passage to people Jerod pauses at the cairn, touching it briefly, remembering the rocks, looking to see if it is the same.

The stones do not look as weathered as those on the beach by Oisensmouth, and Jerod does not think the composition is quite the same. Still, it is of a height with the other cairn and seems to mark the same thing.

Both Jerod and Vere spot two sentry posts, one on each side of the water. They would have excellent vantage points for observing the entrance to the cave.

Jerod makes note of the sentry posts but ignores them, not bothering to make it known that they are noticeable to him.

Through the curtain of vegetation is a cave or a series of caves. Water runs through them and down somewhere below the city, or else back into the river at a later point. The cave itself cuts away from the water and the feeble lantern provided by Lance does not do much to relieve the gloom or blaze a trail through the caves. The caves lead generally downward away from the opening.

The party wades to a rocky shore, where the flow of the river and the ripples of the many people send miniature waves chasing one after another into the darkness. The sound of the waves lapping on the shore and the group dripping and breathing in the near-darkness are all that can be heard in the stillness of the cave.

Kaia consults briefly with one of the unburdened Rebmans. "According to Mr. Roth, we walk down to a pool, taking the second left and the third right." The directions lead you to another beach, and a stone bench. There is a lantern like yours, long burned out, on the edge of the bench. "This would seem to be it," says Kaia.

Jerod pauses to listen, the sounds of water drops and waves soothing after all this time, though he remains alert for signs of guards or other threats this close to the water's edge. He motions to Vere to check the remaining perimeter while he goes to the water's edge, looking for signs of a person entering or exiting as well as stair signs.

Vere nods and moves quietly to examine the beach and the cave walls for anything that seems out of place.

Other than the bench, which seems as if it were carved from the living rock, and the lantern on it, no. Except for yourselves.

Assuming he finds the stairs, he will notify the others. "Vere, you remain with the Ambassador for the time being. I'll take the point. Don't hold your breath when you're underneath the waves. Your first time it's natural to do so. You'll have to fight the urge. Walk down with the Ambassador when you enter the water. She'll be able to help if you have any problems."

Vere nods silently to Jerod, and then nods respectfully to the Ambassador.

Jerod walks into the water down the steep, curving, and slightly irregular stairs. This would be an even less attractive trade-route than the stairs between Rebma and Amber, unless there is another exit. Jerod can also tell why Bill left the lantern on the bench to burn out, as it is quite dark along the initial part of the stairs. However, the water is reassuringly breathable and Jerod fills his lungs with water for the first time in many years. All the differences, how to breathe, how to move, how to walk and how to stop, and many more, all come rushing back to him.

Just below the waves, as memories come pouring back to flood his consciousness, he stops, breathing deeply of the ocean. He realizes now how much he has missed his home these last years and the feeling now fills him with something akin to joy. He smiles to himself, then turns, rising above the water enough to motion the others to follow.

Vere walks side by side with the ambassador, breathing out just before his head goes underwater, and forcing himself to inhale naturally as the water covers his head.

By 200 feet or so, the entire party is in the water. Kaia and the Rebmans who have been in Amber seem very pleased to be under the waves again. The narrow stairs have opened into a wide cave and across the cave is an arch with some sort of lantern next to it. Through the arch are regular stairs going down. One of the Rebmans who came with Celina says "Prince Jerod, this wasn't here when we came this way last week."

Jerod pauses as he looks around, a soft snick as his left hand eases the tension on his sword in its scabbard, readying it for combat. "Describe what was here before." he says. The possible military behaviour of the armed members of the Rebman delegation has not gone unnoticed and raises a finger, circling it once, twice, motioning the troop to create an all-round defense.

[an all-round defense is a 360 degree perimeter used to scan every degree around a position with vulnerable or unarmed elements located at the centre. The unit performing the defense is not scattered but remains evenly dispersed throughout a circular perimeter - with sufficient forces a second layer perimeter is staggered behind the first. In case of attack, elements not directly under attack can move to reinforce an affected area.]

And before his hand returns to his side, the unencumbered Rebmans are in motion, and the others are closing into a tighter circle as well. Tiro, the secretary says "Your highness, there were no lanterns except the ones we carried, which those are not. We might have missed the arch or the poles, but I doubt it. And the steps were less regular. Of course most of us were half-swimming up at the time."

Vere slowly scans the surrounding area, calmly seeking anything that looks like a possible threat, and remaining aware of everything that is going on around him.

Other than the rather unusual fact that everyone is acting more-or-less as if they are above water and breathing air, everything seems remarkably normal to Vere.

[If this were a certain type of novel, an attack would come soon, valiantly beaten off by Vere and his companions. He would suffer a head wound saving Jerod and separated from the group, presumed to be dead. He would lose his memory and most likely end up at a lonely farmhouse where a widow would nurse him back to health, but his duty and his oath and his love for Robin would propel him onward, lost to his true self but ever seeking, through the Seaward shadows of Rebma... Did they even have farmhouses in Rebma? Vere did not know.]

But he makes a mental note to himself to inquire...

[Jerod] listens to the description that is provided as he moves forward carefully, examining the stairs down as well as the arch and the lantern for signs, markings, evidence of manufacture that would give a hint as to its origin as well as its means of production (ie: for the stairs, were they carved or did they just seem to appear).

Jerod would describe them as "lain", as if someone placed them (and possibly shored them up) in order to facilitate climbing the stairs. Jerod notes that the steps and the floor are free of both silt and sand, although he does wonder what would happen to the caves above if the river were to rise to a flood stage.

He also sniffs a couple of times, though in his own way he is sensing for any displacement in Shadow or the natural reality. Going down the stairs to Rebma, one should not be able to mess with probability. If he thinks there is a problem with this, he would try to find something, a coin or some other such thing from Shadow under a stone nearby.

There is no coin under the stone.

Jerod examines the stairs carefully, a hand run across them to note the lack of silt and sand, nodding to himself. Turning over the rock to one side of himself to find nothing there is of a vague comfort it would seem and he nods to himself.

"We proceed." Jerod says, motioning to the others to follow. "Stay sharp. If all is well, someone has just laid out a nice welcome mat." and he motions to Vere, pointing at the Ambassador. "You've got the duty. Nothing gets close."

Vere nods, and his hands slip to the hilts of the back sword and dagger he wears. He slides them partway out of their sheathes to get a feel for how they move underwater, then lets them slide back. He follows the ambassador without speaking.

The twin torches are the start of a series of such marking and lighting the stairs as it winds down through the tunnel. It is unclear who has placed them here or how they are kept lit. The expected ambush does not come before lunch, and is notably missing afterwards as well. The group walks downwards for hours, sometimes in wide passages, more frequently in narrow ones. Neither a Triton from below nor a horse from the surface could take these stairs.

After what seems a long day of walking, the expedition reaches a long, wide, high-roofed cave. Either this cave was once above the waves or underwater caves form similarly to aboveground caves in the presence of breathable water. The cave is a marvel of stalactites, stalagmites, curtains, and straws. One series of stones looks like a giant throne under a massive chandelier. It is one of the few places where fish can be seen swimming amongst the formations.

There is no sun but it is clear that the Rebmans are tired and ready to make camp. Kaia suggests stopping here.

Jerod nods, making note of the chamber and its layout. He also remembers Bill Roth's comments and the number of days it is estimated they will be below before reaching Rebma. He will let the Rebman crew choose their own site, comfortable enough that they know the details of it though he looks it over himself as a matter of second nature.

Part of his attention though is on the formations, careful to check for sinkholes and pockets as well while watching the fish. Watching a pair of black velvet angel fish darting amongst the pillars of stone, he nods to Vere. "It's different from up top, isn't it?"

"Indeed." Vere has a slight smile while he watches the fish swimming near the throne-like formation. "Is it safe to do some looking around here, or should I remain near the ambassador in case of trouble?"

Jerod thinks the cave ends in what was at one time a large sinkhole, but it's a few hundred feet away.

"A look-see shouldn't be too dangerous. Just be careful. Fissure points and sinkholes are deceptively easy to miss. Don't move beyond visual range of the camp without telling anyone. And if you want to, maybe think of bringing one of us with you." Jerod says, making reference to the Rebmans without apparent notice of the change of person.

Vere doesn't comment upon Jerod's phrasing. "There is a sufficiency to see within a short range of the camp," he says. "I shall not allow temptation to lead me astray."

He bows to Jerod, then walks to where Kaia is overseeing the set up of the camp. "By your leave, your Excellency," he says to her, "I shall indulge my curiosity at my first venture under the waves and look around for a bit." He bows to her.

She suggests you use your sword or some other long object to probe ahead of yourself, because it would not be safe to find the end to the breathable water at this depth.

Vere thanks her for the advice, and adds sudden pressure changes to the list of dangers to be on the watch for.

Assuming Kaia neither objects nor wishes to engage him in conversation Vere will head for the large, throne-like formation. After that he's planning on spending most of the Rebmans' camping time exploring the cavern, making certain to always remain within sight of the camp, as requested by Jerod.

Away from the stairs, the cavern is natural: the floor is uneven there are several changes in elevation. The water makes your spelunking easier, although you are moving away from the light of the torches.

On closer examination, the throne looks less like one than like random rock formations. This cavern is several hundred feet wide, and you have not run out of breathable air yet.

Vere takes his time moving about the cavern, becoming accustomed to moving in the water, swimming as well as walking, and using the excuse of using his sword to check for changes in the water to practice underwater sword moves. He regards the large formation with interest, smiling at the fish swimming around his head, and then continues to make a large circuit of the area around the campsite, examining the ground formations and then swimming up to examine the ceiling formations as well. He seems to be in no hurry, and it's obvious that he will happily spend hours studying this strange and beautiful environment.

Vere spends as much time as he'd like, finding that the exits from the room are pressure-change locations that would do harm to anything that crossed them. The barrier between them is distinct but permeable and there is no obvious structure or container for it. It is colder nearer the edge of the breathable water, though.

There are many interesting cave formations, all of which appear to be the normal working of water through stone and air. One such is a pillar 20 feet tall. Another is a stalagmite that looks like a miniature mountain. In parts of the cave, the ceiling is no more than 20' high. In others, he cannot see the top.

While there are some fish, there doesn't look to be anything for them to eat, and they don't seem to venture across the barrier. The fish that Vere sees don't look particularly well adapted to deep, cold water.

This is all fascinating enough that Vere will continue his explorations of the cavern until the Rebmans start stirring and it's clear that their rest is about over.

Vere sees them setting camp and making supper.

[According to reports, it's a two day trip, and this is about a day's travel, so they're planning to stop here.]

Kaia is definitely not approaching Jerod. If anything, she seems withdrawn from both the children of Amber and her own people. It's not unfriendliness, but it seems as if she has a lot on her mind.

Kaia will realize that Jerod notices. But he's polite enough not to interfere - it's her business such as it is and Jerod's got enough on his mind without digging up everyone else's problems.

Unless Vere or Jerod convince them to move onward immediately, they will eat, set a watch schedule, camp, sleep, breakfast and be ready to go after a night's sleep. In Jerod's experience, Rebmans are generally good at figuring out when to stop and sleep and when to get up, even without the sun.

Anything you find young princes want to do before getting to Rebma? Last call, gents...

Jerod does not attempt to convince the crew to move onward. Indeed given what he remembers being mentioned, he wants people to be rested and ready for continued travel. Vere and Jerod might be able to work straight without a break but they're just two of them and Jerod's not foolish.

Nor will Vere attempt to second guess the Rebmans regarding their return to the city.

Jerod does take a little time to explain to Vere how to eat underwater. As well, while there is likely to be some time to sit and relax before sleeping, Jerod is willing to impart some stories from home. He'll even allow some of the party to listen in if they are so inclined. None of the stories will be particularly fascinating, mostly recollections of home but they will include the goings-on of Court and family, people he knows and things that he has witnessed, things that regular members of Rebman culture do not normally get to hear about or hear about only vaguely.

Vere listens with obvious interest, fitting everything together with what he has already heard about Rebma and observed in the behaviour of the Rebmans he's met to gain a clearer understanding of the undersea realm and its royal family.

And when Jerod gets up to be ready for the next day's travel, Vere finds that Jerod has changed his clothing. It is still an Amber style of dress but it is altered for the underwater environment and the protocols for Rebma. In a strictly utilitarian sense, it is much more efficient with the garments having slits along the arms and lower legs, enough to allow water through so the garments fall normally. He is also wearing that necklace again.

Eventually the party rests. With neither a fire for warmth nor threat of rain, camping gear seems mostly designed to provide some privacy and some protection from nibbling fish.

Vere wakes, almost alone in the dimly lit cavern. He rolls over and sees that there is a person across the grand hall, sitting on the throne, bathed in a cool light. Vere rises and approaches the throne.

There is a woman seated upon it, her red hair forming an aura around her head and offsetting her flawless alabaster skin. She wears a white robe and a silver chain disappears beneath her neckline. She turns to Vere and says, in perfect Thari, "What great disturbance is it that brings you before my throne, oh ghost?"

Vere looks down at himself and notes that his body and arms are translucent and shimmering, and that he can't even see his feet.

"Prince Vere? Wake up, we're getting ready to continue."

Vere opens his eyes and stares at the person awakening him for a moment before glancing towards the large rock formation.

Kaia seems perfectly normal to him.

The throne is vacant, and the Rebmans and Jerod are eating or breaking camp.

"Thank you," Vere says as he rises to his feet. He stands silently for a few moments, still staring at the formation, and frowning slightly. Then he walks slowly over to it, and reaches out to touch it with his right hand. "Are you there?" he whispers. "Can you hear me?"

There is no sense of any presence at the formation. Nothing happens, and no one says anything to him. However, some of the Rebmans are looking at Vere a bit oddly.

Jerod would notice that something is up and looks over at Vere curiously, then pauses to sniff.

Vere shakes his head and smiles ruefully to himself. He glances around, but does not appear to notice the odd looks he is receiving. He walks over to Jerod and says quietly, "A dream. Perhaps naught but a dream, and with no meaning." He does not sound as though he believes it.

"For the man who is precise as hell all other times, you sound less than believable." Jerod says, finishing the adjustments to his pack before buckling his new sword on. Vere realizes that Jerod has not worn his old sword since they arrived in Paris.

"What was this dream about?" Jerod asks curiously.

Vere glances back towards the massive rock formation and speaks, his voice distant, "Garbed all in white she sat upon her throne, red was the hair that floated bout her head, a crown of fire. Silver the chain she bore about her neck, that fell into her gown, so that I could not see what talisman or gem it bore. Pale was her skin, and pale the light that shone, and I was minded me of Tir-na Nog'th. The queen was no one I had seen, nor yet was she familiar to me from any tale of relative or stranger I have heard. She thought me spirit, and in truth so I appeared e'en to mine own eyes. She spoke to me, and asked wherefore I came to stand before her throne. E'er I could speak I woke, and found it all a dream." He turns back to Jerod. "And so, mayhap, it was, and there is naught of grave significance here. Yet if there is, it seems me that it has to do with Rebma, and thus you have the right to hear of it."

Jerod looks over at the throne of stone for a moment before he heads over to where Vere had been. There is an implicit assumption that Vere will follow.

Which he does.

"This close to Rebma, with things in flux..." Jerod begins. "...I count nothing to be a fluke anymore. The fact that it was so like Tir-na makes me wonder if Rebma has developed its own analog to Tir. Or if perhaps it had it all along and we just couldn't get to it."

During his talk, Jerod will move around the area of the throne, pausing now and then, sometimes vaguely distracted, as if searching for something, listening for something.

"She did not name herself, or you by name?" Jerod asked.

"She called me 'ghost,'" Vere answers, "and asked the cause for my coming before her throne. Naught else was said."

"Ghost huh?" Jerod says. "That fits with Tir pretty much. But the red hair is interesting. It's relatively uncommon amongst my people. Certainly no one in the royal family's lineage possesses it to my knowledge."

He stops his meanderings after a few moments. "Nothing. Though that means little here. It's too real to adjust probability but I could always hope.

"You said you awoke and went to speak to her?" Jerod asks. "And then Kaia woke you up? And nothing else?"

Vere tilts his head to one side and thinks. "Her Thari was excellent," he says. "She sounded like a native speaker. When I woke in my dream I do not believe any of the rest of you were in the cavern. I cannot recall anyone save the Queen and I. I was a misty figure, more like a spirit than a living man. The light was cool, and came from a source I could not see. It centered over her throne." He shakes his head. "There is no more I can recall."

"Me wonders if we have a Chaosian connection here." Jerod remarks. "Though I suppose if I want speculate to the ends of the universe, if you were dreaming or someone was speaking to you in a dream, they'd use the language you're most capable with and it would be perfect. Mind to mind contact and all that."

Jerod looks around once more. "Another mystery adds itself to our pot. We seem to be collecting them anew." and he looks over at Vere. "Come on. Let's get something to eat. We've got travelling to do. We'll see if maybe we can find something out about this when we get to Rebma."

"If enough layers of mystery accrete," Vere muses while he follows Jerod back to the campsite, "Perhaps we will end up with a pearl."

"Let's hope it's not a black one." Jerod says. "They're bad luck."

"Indeed?" Vere files away this interesting fact for later reference.

Breakfast is had and the party continues downward, following the path of the rough-hewn steps and the indifferent lighting. It is not more than a watch's travel before you find yourself, unexpectedly, at the terminus of the steps. There is a shallow cave, marked with stones, and at the edge of the cave you find yourself under open seas at the very periphery of Rebman control. In the distance, the many flames of the Star of Cities can be seen ascending Mount ____ , with the Royal Palace as the greatest jewel in Rebma's crown.

"We should be home for lunch," Kaia says brightly. The Rebmans who came with Celina look somewhat puzzled.

Jerod makes note of the different surroundings of their entry into Rebma, though he is quick to pick out his frames of reference. He also notices the puzzlement of Celina's escort.

"Let me guess..." he begins. "We should not have reached the city this quickly, and/or the circumstances of our arrival point are different than you remember?"

["Yes, Your Highness, but the GMs keep insisting we react like we're people instead of sock puppets. They keep talking about the 19th word from the 2nd Edition of 'Land of Og.' For us, it's disturbing."]

They nod in agreement.

Jerod is eager to get to the palace, it is clear.

Vere gives no sign of noticing the puzzled expressions of the Rebmans, merely observing the city with interest and beginning to analyze the pattern of buildings and streets for later reference.

Vere sees a city laid out as an exact replica of Amber. The streets, the spires, the graceful arches and towers rise in a perfect mirror of the city Vere lived in for the last 6 years. Approximately two-thirds of the way up a mountain above it, a castle stands watch over the city.

From this distance, the resemblance is complete. It is the Pearl of Cities, here in an oyster bed.

The group starts out towards Rebma, noting that once they reach roads, the roads have the familiar lighted enclosures along them.

The group is no more than an hour from Rebma when they meet soldiers of Rebma. The troop is led by a young nobleman, too young to have served before Jerod left. He bows. "Your Highness, Ambassador. Welcome back to Rebma. I have sent word ahead to the palace of your return. May my troop and I escort you to the palace?"

"You may." Jerod replies, looking to maintain a good pace. "What is your name?"

The young man falls into place beside Jerod. "Captain Castor at your service."

Once Jerod has the name, he continues. "You received advance warning of our arrival?"

Vere follows, remaining silent and noting everything carefully, without appearing to be paying much attention to anything.

"Nothing so organized, Your Grace," the young officer says with a smile. "We expected some return delegation eventually, and our unit was nearby." The officer's uniform is that of the Coldstream Guards, a unit that Jerod recalls as being very strongly politically connected. "We are honored to have such prominent Rebmans returning to us."

"Your service honors us." Jerod replies, before motioning to Vere. "My cousin, Lord Vere, son of Prince Gerard of Amber and the Lady of the Isles of Dannan. This is Captain Castor of the Coldstream Guards, one of the more influential military units under the Queen's service."

(Jerod's sure that Vere will slot that little piece of information away for further use, just as Jerod intends he should)

Vere nods, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Captain," he says, "And a great joy to me to finally have an opportunity to visit the Star of Cities."

He smiles pleasantly back. "I visited Amber once, as a child. The resemblance is uncanny. Except of course for the lack of water."

"Tell me Captain. What of home since we have been gone?" Jerod says. "It is good to be back but I would prefer to another's version of events before I am surrounded by the demands of Court, and their version of events." he says with a smile. He seems to give the impression that a soldier's perspective might have somewhat more relevance (and truth?).

"It has been, Your Grace, hard going. As much as we may say that Rebma is fiercely independent and build on the strengths of our foremothers' wisdom, it is undeniable that many a woman's prosperity was built on trade with Amber. You will find some names of prominence missing from their former haunts in court this day.

"With the arrival of the Parisian delegation and the new trade route, no doubt another group will manage to bankrupt itself, but I've not the head for trade to determine if it will be those who act or those who wait.

"With all due respect, Your Grace, the army suits me better than the court would. 'Death or Glory' is a simple way of life."

Vere chuckles and shakes his head slightly. "Your pardon, Captain," he says. "For a moment, I thought I heard the voice of my friend, the Lord Commander Siege. Those words could well have fallen directly from his lips."

Captain Castor nods his head in acknowledgement of the compliment. "I should be pleased to meet him, someday. We soldiers must stick together."

Vere smiles and glances at Jerod briefly before returning his attention to Castor.

[Castor]
"Rebma is a good place to serve, Lord Vere, though quiet of late. I am afraid my Aunts' desire that I be promoted for their political advantage and not for my demonstrated battlefield skill is all too likely a scenario at this point. There has been little action since the last remnants of the Black Tide were dispersed just after the surface was cut off. My brother fought those fights and it's not been the same for the military since then."

"Then you did not see battle against the Tide?" Jerod asks.

A shadow crosses Vere's face at mention of the Black Tide.

Castor notes it, but withholds comment.

"I did not, Your Grace. I was too young at the time." If he feels this has hurt his military career, he does not say so.

"It was a dark time," Vere says quietly. "And a dark foe. May our realms not be menaced by their like again."

"Be thankful for small blessings Captain." Jerod replies simply, once Vere is finished. "Some saw too much for their liking."

Captain Castor and his troop lead the returning Rebmans and Vere to a flame-globe lined boulevard that leads to the Southgate, which looks like the gate that Vere and Jerod rode out of with Corwin some days ago, except greener and wetter. Many Rebmans are watching the visitors' arrival.

From here, the grandsons of Oberon note certain landmarks that fell in the sundering yet stand in the mirror city.

As they enter through the gate, Jerod is making note of the landmarks, the old remembrances fitting back into place. There is something else as well...another piece of a Pattern puzzle fitting into place. And another question forming even as he recognizes another task that he must undertake, one that may be as difficult for him as it was for Martin.

As they pass places corresponding to those that had suffered destruction during the Sundering Vere takes note of whether any of the structures built since then are duplicated in Rebma, or whether they retain the form they had before that catastrophe.

No, Vere sees no signs of recent construction or any structures like the newly-built ones in Amber. There is, oddly, a small shrine of some sort where the Sundering Memorial is, but the path does not pass directly by it, so it is hard to say exactly what is there.

As for their audience, keeps an eye out for anyone familiar. He also keeps an eye out for a Triton. Though rare it's always possible and Jerod wants to be sure to give Vere a look.

There don't seem to be any about, but there are usually one or two in the palace.

The trip to the castle is routine, although perhaps more closely observed by the residents of Rebma than the same journey would be in Amber. Castor leads the way up to the palace gates and through them without stopping or being challenged at all. All but two of his troop stop at the inner doors to the castle. The building is the same castle that Jerod knows of old, complete with a standing tower where the tower fell in Amber.

Castor presses onward and brings the group into the throne room. The Rebmans, to a man and woman, bow deeply to the woman seated on the sapphire throne.

Vere will note when they come into the throne room that only certain individuals remain armed - hardly an unusual custom as he would no doubt be familiar with. Jerod does not surrender his sword, he does not show the slightest inclination to do so and no one approaches him to do so.

As for Vere, he may also retain his sword though it more likely because of Jerod and Castor's immediate presence.

Vere presses hand to heart and bows to the Queen of Rebma, measuring her with eyes that do not seem to be doing so. Then he watches quietly as she greets her ambassador and grandson.

"Ambassador Kaia, your arrival is unexpected good news, as is the company you keep. "

Kaia replies "Thank you, your majesty."

She turns to Jerod. "Your Grace, how pleased we are that your overlong absence from our court has finally ended. We hope your homecoming will be pleasurable, profitable, and prolonged."

"Your Majesty, and Grandmother." Jerod replies with a smile. "It is good to be home once again. I would indeed hope for all that you have mentioned, though regrettably one can never predict the future...try as one might."

[Moire]
"Some think the future is vindictive towards those who can predict it, although it may be merely capricious, my young Duke."

[Jerod]
"I look forward to presenting both credentials and correspondence to you at a more suitable time, though with your indulgence I would make one introduction at this time."

Assuming Moire does not object, Jerod motions Vere forward. "May I present Lord Vere, son of Prince Gerard of Amber and the Lady of the Isles of Dannan."

[Moire]
"Well met, son of Gerard. If you are much like your father, you will find Rebma to your liking."

"Your Majesty is kind," Vere replies. "I have looked forward to seeing your fair realm since shortly after I met your grandson. These many years later I still recall with great fondness the evening when we exchanged tales of our native lands. We found much in common, and he set in me a great desire to visit a homeland that could so deeply move so noble a man."

Moire looks pleased. "Rebma is both like and unlike your surface world and you have the freedom of the city, Lord Vere. If you need a guide, Philippa can arrange for one. Unless, of course you are here mixing business with pleasure?" Her eyebrows arch slightly as she asks.

Vere smiles and nods slightly. "I am the Prince Royal of the Isles of the Dannan, your majesty, eldest son of her reigning queen. Is it possible for me to visit the court of another queen and not, in one way or another, be upon business? While not a daughter, yet still have I been taught such statecraft as is befitting a son of the royal line of the Isles, and it is my honour to be allowed to speak for the good of my homeland. At your majesty's pleasure and leisure I would be gratified to be allowed to discuss business of my mother's realm, and the potential for future friendship between two noble monarchs."

Moire nods. "We shall save that discussion until you are rested from your journey, Prince Vere. Philippa will show you to quarters where you can retire until the evening meal. Kaia, if you will attend me?"

The court bows as the Queen rises and, with Kaia, departs. As a side door opens for the Queen, Vere and Jerod catch a glimpse of a half-man, half-sea creature in the ante-chamber behind the throne. He has elaborate tattoos on his face. Looking out the door around his massive frame Jerod sees Carina. She catches his eye and smiles and starts to open her mouth, but the door closes before she can react.

Jerod smiles in return but does not attempt to pursue. There will be time yet.

A woman, just less than middle-aged, shows Vere and Jerod to guest chambers. "We are retrieving Your Grace's possessions from storage, for which delay I apologize. If there is anything Rebma can provide for you, or for you, Your Highness," she says, turning to Vere, "please ask me or any of the castle servants."

Vere smiles and nods at this.

"The Lady Carina." Jerod replies. "Is she still Historian for the Queen?"

"She is, Your Grace."

Assuming there is an affirmative to that, Jerod continues. "Please advise the Lady when it is appropriate that I will be attending upon her in her work chambers."

Phillipa nods, "I shall send her your message."

With the Prince and the Duke [or is it the Duke and the Dauphin?] satisfied, Philippa leaves the two men at the doors to their respective suites.

"You've been upgraded." Jerod says to Vere once Philippa has departed. "Use the Prince title for all you can get. It might come in handy. But don't rely too much on the Amber background. My suspicions tell me know that Moire already knows what's up with home. Kaia is simply going to confirm it."

"Indeed," Vere murmurs.

After giving Vere has had a chance to reply, Jerod briefly looks over the interior of his suite. "I'm going to go meet someone, I hope." Jerod says. "Don't be surprised if the invitation to the evening dinner arrives shortly. With luck my mother and other sister will be there as well. I'll introduce you to them then."

"I shall restrain my impulse to wander aimlessly throughout the palace and city," Vere replies, "And await a summons."

Then, once Vere has had a chance to reply, Jerod heads out.